Dr. Meenakshi Munshi

Dr. Meenakshi Munshi is an accomplished scientist, administrator, and educator with more than 30 years of distinguished professional experience. She began her research career at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and later at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), where her work focused on plant signalling and biotechnology research. 

At the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, she served as Adviser/Scientist G, leading several major national and international scientific programmes. She played a pivotal role in strengthening India’s biotechnology ecosystem and facilitated the return of more than 500 eminent scientists to India through the Ramalingaswami Re-entry Fellowship. She has curated landmark scientific schemes, framed policy documents, and significantly contributed to national capacity building in biotechnology and innovation. 

With over three decades of professional experience, Dr. Munshi has served as Scientist at JNU and NIPGR before joining the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, in 2000. She superannuated in 2021 as Adviser/Scientist G. During her tenure, she headed multiple divisions including Human Resource Development, Biofuels, Agricultural Biotechnology, Women-centric scientific programmes, and several strategic initiatives. 

She has also served as Director Research at SGT University, Senior Consultant at IIT Delhi (DRIIV), and Consultant at the National Institute of Immunology (NII). She currently serves as Professor at UPES and consultant to institutions such as KMC Manipal, Yenepoya University, and SRM University. 

Biotechnology, Plant Signalling, Agricultural Biotechnology, Biofuels, Research Policy, Scientific Capacity Building, Innovation Ecosystems, Interdisciplinary Biosciences. 

Dr. Munshi believes in simplifying complex scientific concepts by connecting with students at their level of understanding. She emphasizes conceptual clarity, independent thinking, and research-driven curiosity. 

She promotes collaborative learning and encourages students to interact with experts across scientific domains. Her approach nurtures confidence, innovation, and a strong scientific temperament among learners. 

• Fulbright Fellowship, University of California Davis, USA (2010–2011) 
• Column Editor, Journal of Academy of Environmental Biology (1996–1999) 
• Fellow, Environmental Association of Biologists (1997) 
• Young Scientist Award, Bioved Research Society (1996) 
• Research Associate, UGC (1990–1991) 
• Junior Research Fellowship, Ministry of Environment and Forests (1982–1986) 

Biotechnology, Plant Signalling, Research Communication, and interdisciplinary subjects aimed at enhancing students’ scientific understanding and collaborative capabilities. 

Dr. Munshi has published several research papers in reputed national and international journals. She has authored books including Biotechnology: An Overview (IGNOU, 2005) and Biotechnology: Applications & Careers (VIVA Publishers, 2004). 

She has also written multiple articles for print and electronic media, contributing to science communication and public awareness. Her scholarly work spans research, education, policy, and scientific outreach, reflecting a lifelong commitment to advancing biotechnology and higher education. 

meenakshi.munshi@ddn.upes.ac.in